Coast Guard head, NFA alum returns to speak with class of 2015

NORWICH — The last time U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. was on stage at Norwich Free Academy’s Slater Memorial Auditorium, it was as a timpanist in the school’s orchestra.

But on Wednesday, the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and 1970 NFA alum returned and stood front and center to speak with 500 students — a homecoming of sorts that he requested as part of a swing through the state as the 39-year veteran winds down his career.

“We’ve been running around southeastern Connecticut meeting with a lot of groups. This is the most special event for me in this entire visit to Connecticut, so thank you for having me,” Papp, a Norwich native, told NFA’s class of 2015.

In addition to his NFA visit, Papp is scheduled to speak at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London and the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

All three institutions, Papp said, molded him into the decorated and respected leader he has become.

“I can’t think of a better place to grow up than Norwich, Conn., and a better high school to go than NFA. It really set me up for life,” Papp said, flanked by high-ranking Coast Guard officials including Rear Adm. Steve Poulin and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael P. Leavitt.

NFA officials said Papp requested time to visit the school and chat with students, and they were eager to accommodate him.

“This very important, distinguished and successful leader sat in the same auditorium as an NFA student, just like you are doing here today,” Head of School David Klein said in his introduction.

Papp greeted the crowed with a “go Wildcats” and recounted his days playing varsity football as an offensive tackle and performing in the marching band and orchestra.

Papp said he developed a love of the sea at a very young age. By the time he arrived at NFA, he had already decided on a Coast Guard career.

“I have to suspect that as you sit out here today, you’re thinking about what you want to do with your life. I had it very easy. From the time I came to NFA, I knew I wanted to go to the Coast Guard Academy,” he said.

NFA juniors Ishmaelle Changeux and Daniadine Forvilus said they were affected by Papp’s remarks.

“The Coast Guard does more than I thought. They don’t just think about themselves. They’re out there working to save lives,” Ishmaelle said.

Before he left, members of NFA’s student government presented Papp with apparel including a baseball cap, jacket and sweatshirt.

And he offered departing advice before leaving campus.

“A Coast Guard career is a wonderful thing. But what I would ask you to consider this morning is to do something which pays back either your community or your country,” he said. “This is an organization that I’ve devoted almost my entire life to. To me, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are like a second family. I never expected to be in this position. It’s just an honor and a privilege to take care of the service I love and try to position it the best I can to meet the needs of the future.”